Age a Factor???

Discussion in 'Job Seekers' started by teachin2007, Jun 13, 2007.

  1. teachin2007

    teachin2007 Rookie

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    Jun 13, 2007

    I am a male in my late 40s (but don't look it...honest:D ). I have just received my MAT - this is my second career. I have an 8-year old son. I have had a few interviews for positions and so far I haven't landed anything. I am in Georgia. Do you think my age could be a factor?????
     
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  3. MissFrizzle

    MissFrizzle Virtuoso

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    Jun 13, 2007

    Possibly, but it could also be a number of things which you have no control over. A few interviews is just that. Some people try for years to get a job. Keep looking.


    You could be overqualified too.
     
  4. Aliceacc

    Aliceacc Multitudinous

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    Jun 13, 2007

    I got several offers last year, and I'm a 48 (!!!) year old mom of 3 young kids.

    I'm guessing it's just that those weren't the right jobs for you.
     
  5. teachin2007

    teachin2007 Rookie

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    Thanks Aliceacc but you probably also have been a teacher for a while, yes? Or at least have experience. I am new to the teaching thing and spent the first part of my life as an account rep in the printing industry. But still, I hope you're right!
     
  6. MATgrad

    MATgrad Groupie

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    I'm an MAT grad too! Did you do any student teaching?
    The two interviews I've been on that was a BIG deal to the admin.
     
  7. Caesar753

    Caesar753 Multitudinous

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    Jun 13, 2007

    I really doubt that age would be a factor against you. If anything, it might be a factor in your favor. With you being a little older than the average new teacher, you may not need/get as much in the way of retirement benefits if you plan to retire at the standard time.
     
  8. Caesar753

    Caesar753 Multitudinous

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    Oh and what subject are you looking to teach? I also have an MAT, and mine's in Latin. I went straight through school, though, so I was 24 when I graduated and got my MAT. I landed a real teaching job about a year and a half later for the 06/07 school year.
     
  9. Mrs.Gould

    Mrs.Gould Comrade

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    Here in NY you cannot get a teaching certification without any student teaching, basically because part of the teaching program you go through requires you to do so.
     
  10. Aliceacc

    Aliceacc Multitudinous

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    I don't think age is the factor. Inexperience in a crowded market is more likely.
     
  11. Momzoid

    Momzoid Companion

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    Jun 13, 2007

    At my school you would be hired in a heartbeat, if you were elementary ed. My principal tries to hire as many men as possible. Our students are in need of positive male role models.
     
  12. Aliceacc

    Aliceacc Multitudinous

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    Maybe that's what your cover letter should be playing up. Even a phrase "As a male in a female-dominated field, I realize I'm in the minority..." type stuff.
     
  13. alphabet

    alphabet Rookie

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    Jun 13, 2007

    I'm only about 10 years younger than you, but I'm already pretty bald and look older. I don't think it's an age thing working against males in the field though. I think while some districts are really looking for men to teach, some are still afraid of it. I had two interviews where my gender came up frequently. later on, I found out that there was a huge scandal not too long ago in the central Illinois area where a male teacher was a pedo or something nasty like that, and a lot of principals are balking at hiring males for elementary because of that.

    Either way, good luck. I taught in a one year position so far, and I could really tell that some of those kids needed a male role model. Especially one that had attended post-high school education, because that was pretty rare for the area I was in. So we are really needed in some places. Keep pluggin at it.
     
  14. DaveF

    DaveF Companion

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    Jun 13, 2007

    I'm a 43 year old male beginning my first year teaching in August. My age was a factor....It is why I was hired! My principal liked the fact that I had a previous career, she was also. You bring years of experience to the classroom. Don't worry about it.
     
  15. cjven

    cjven Rookie

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    Jun 14, 2007

    I think your age will actually help you. I had trouble my first year finding a job because I was only 24 and going to be teaching juniors and seniors. I was also told that I looked like the students!
     
  16. katrinkakat

    katrinkakat Connoisseur

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    Jun 14, 2007

    I'm hoping not teachin2007. I just turned 50 but no one believes me. Anyway, it's all on how you see yourself. I feel young and that I have a lot to offer, so that's what counts. I think career changers are great. It's boring to do the same thing all your life. Good luck! You will probably land a job soon!
     

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